This asana is sometimes confused with Cobra Pose. The big difference is that while both are reclining postures where the yogi is raised up on the arms, upward facing dog pose uses straight arms and lifts the belly from the floor. The cobra posture requires the practitioner to bend the elbows and keep the belly on the floor.

Step into the Pose

Performing the Pose

Lie on your stomach, arms at your sides.

Open your palms and bend your elbows, keeping the arms close to the sides.

On an inhale, straighten the arms and all at once, raise your torso and legs a few inches off the floor.

Draw strength from the core of the body by firming but not tightening the lower body.